Partners in West Northants come together to mark 16 Days of Activism

25 November 2022

Residents and businesses are invited to join the West Northamptonshire Community Safety Partnership in making a stand against gender-based abuse during 16 Days of Activism which runs from 25 November to 10 December.

This year, the partnership will host a virtual and face-to-face programme of activities to raise awareness of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women - and promote the local support services available to women and girls who have experienced physical or sexual violence or domestic abuse.

Information, advice and guidance will be shared during the 16 days via West Northamptonshire Council‘s (WNC) Facebook and Twitter pages.

The campaign will start with a Reclaim the Night march organised by Northamptonshire Rape Crisis on 25 November at 6:30pm. The march will start from Barry Road Co-op and continue to All Saints Church, where a candlelit vigil will take place from 7pm.

During the 16 days, the Community Safety Partnership will be distributing leaflets, posters and information to venues, workplaces and retailers across West Northamptonshire. Businesses and taxi drivers will also be asked to place stickers in their windows, in support of the campaign.

In addition, the partnership will be holding several pop-up support stands, where agencies such as Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service, Eve, Voice, Serenity and Northamptonshire Rape Crisis will be on hand to provide advice and guidance.

These include:

• The Grosvenor Centre Hub on Monday, 28 November from 11am to 2pm
• NDAS Drop-in at the Guildhall, Northampton on Tuesday, 29 November from 9:30am to 12:30pm and The Bridge Project, Northampton from 1pm to 3pm
• NDAS Drop-in at the Forum, Towcester on Tuesday, 29 November from 9:30am to 11:30pm
• University of Northampton Learning Hub, Waterside Ground Floor area on Thursday, 1 December from 10am to 2pm
• NDAS Drop-in at Lodge Road, Daventry on Friday, 2 December from 9am to 12:30pm
• Weston Favell Shopping Centre Community Area on Monday, 5 December from 11am to 2pm
• The Metro Bank in Northampton on Wednesday, 7 December from 11am to 2pm
• Northampton College on Friday, 9 December from 10am to 2pm

“Domestic abuse can be terrifying for those who experience it and many victims are often left feeling helpless. We hope that this campaign will encourage people to talk about the issue and its impact on families and will encourage victims to come forward for help and support.

“Everyone has a vital role to play in ending violence against women and girls and whatever they can do to engage with it does make a difference. Please come along and take part in the many events happening throughout the next few weeks, either virtually or in person, and add your voice to the growing demand for violence against women to end.”Cllr David Smith, WNC's Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Engagement, and Regulatory Services

Detective Inspector Nick Peters from Northamptonshire Police’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit added:

“Tackling violence against women and girls is a matter of priority for the Force. We are committed to helping the county create an environment that is free of fear and harassment and where women and girls can feel safe and be safe wherever they are, whether that’s at home, at work, or out and about.

“As part of the 16 days of activism campaign we are hosting a joint Facebook Live event on Wednesday 7th December at 7pm to give you an opportunity to ask questions about what the police, council and victim services are doing to support women’s safety in the County.” View the full calendar of events taking place across West Northants.

"Whilst the campaign aims to raise awareness around violence against women and girls, we recognise that anyone can be affected by abuse. You can report this by calling 101, via the Northamptonshire Police's Report Online webpage, or in an emergency always call 999."

Further advice and support can be found on the Northamptonshire Police website - Domestic Abuse Support.